Get in the holiday spirit with these festive events taking place in Cape Girardeau throughout the month of December! 

Performing Arts

An inspiring way to kick off the holiday season, Handel’s Messiah is performed by the Southeast Missouri Choral Union, the University Choir and the Symphony Orchestra tonight at 7:30.

A full array of traditional carols are woven into the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol, December 3 at 7:30 p.m.!

Sounds of the Season is a cozy and entertaining Christmas spectacular with the top vocal and dance talent in Cape Girardeau under the direction of Jerry Ford.  Don’t miss it on December 6 at 1:30 p.m.  

The Holiday Spectacular at the River Campus features classic Christmas tunes performed by the wind symphony and marching band on Tuesday, December 8th at 7:30 p.m.  

Holiday Tours & Open Houses

Downtown will be hopping with holiday festivities at the Downtown Christmas Open House on Friday, December 4th from 5 – 9 p.m.  Take a ride through the decorated streets on a horse drawn carriage, and enjoy carolers and refreshments at participating businesses.  Bring the kids for Christmas crafts and photos with Santa at Santa’s Workshop!  

Check out local homes decked out for the season on the LFCS Holiday Home Tour, Saturday December 5 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Go through the six homes at your own pace, starting at whichever property is handy for you.  Classic Christmas, whimsical and shabby chic decorations are highlights of this year’s event!  

Enjoy Christmas at the Glenn House on Saturdays and Sundays throughout December from 1 – 4 p.m. as well as by candlelight on December 11th and 19th from 5 – 8 p.m.  This exquisitely decorated Victorian home is dressed to the nines for the season with a Christmas tree in every room.

Taste delicious sweets by the fire at the historic Byrd House’s 1814 Dessert Table, and peruse the holiday gift shop where you’ll find unique American made wares, Thursdays December 5th, 12th and 19th.  

Churches over 100 years old in Bollinger, Perry and Cape counties fill the stops on the Christmas Country Church Tour, and they’re all decorated for the season and offer greeters, holiday music and refreshments on Thursday December 17th and Friday the 18th!

Take in the serenity of a crisp winter night on the lighted path at the Nature Center’s Candlelit Wood Walk on Thursday December 17; hot beverages are waiting for you after your stroll!  

Christmas Magic for Little Ones

Your kiddos – furry or otherwise! – can have their picture taken with Santa at Mississippi Mutts on Sunday, December 6th from 3 – 5 p.m.

A certain jolly someone has left candy canes at Arena Park; track them down at the Flashlight Candy Cane hunt on Friday, December 11th at 6:30 p.m.  Decorate a bag for collecting candy canes and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate.  

Have breakfast with Santa as he makes a special stop in Cape Girardeau to listen to holiday wishes on Saturday, December 12 at 9 a.m.  
Breakfast with Santa.

Have a holly jolly holiday season in Cape Girardeau!